This site aims to inform and mobilize Beverly parents to take an active role in all issues related to the funding and operation of the city's schools. It was launched in the spring of 2008, when the city saw its first-ever override attempt fail, followed by the closure of a nearly-new elementary school. Subsequent years have seen further cuts that have led to larger class sizes across the district. While the opening of an impressive new high school and plans to replace the city's aging middle school give us reason to be optimistic, the school community must be ever vigilant in demanding appropriate school funding by city and state governments, and better community communications from the district and School Committee.

Monday, October 20, 2008

There will be a public hearing, followed by a City Council vote tonight on the appropriation of addition funds for the high school project. The hearing starts at 7:15 in City Council chambers at City Hall.

The following is a note from School Committee President Annemarie Cesa:

Monday night the City Council will be taking a vote to decide whether to appropriate the extra monies toward the new BHS. Although the cost for the final project has grown, the additional funding by the city has only increased by about $500K. It is important to let your City Counselor and the 3 at large Counselors, know how you feel. Call or write them. If you can, come to City Hall and speak or cheer on those who do.

Today's Salem News also has a brief writeup on the current state of the project.